A tragic incident has occurred in Georgia as a resident succumbed to a rare brain infection caused by the "brain-eating amoeba," Naegleria fowleri, according to the Georgia Department of Health. This marks the sixth known case of the infection in Georgia since 1962. The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, is believed to have contracted the deadly amoeba while swimming in a freshwater lake or pond, although the specific location has not been revealed by health officials.

Naegleria fowleri is a naturally occurring amoeba that does not infect humans if swallowed and is not transmitted from person to person. Infection occurs when water containing the amoeba enters a person's nose. Unfortunately, there is currently no routine environmental test to detect the presence of Naegleria fowleri in bodies of water, making it challenging to control or monitor the amoebas' levels and distribution. Furthermore, these levels can vary within the same body of water over time.

Symptoms of the infection typically manifest around five days after exposure, but they can develop anywhere from 1 to 12 days. Initial symptoms include a severe headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting, which can progress to a stiff neck, seizures, and coma. The infection progresses rapidly and can result in death within just five days.

To mitigate the risk of infection, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises individuals to limit the amount of water that enters their nose while swimming in warm freshwater. This includes avoiding jumping or diving into bodies of water, holding the nose shut, and keeping the head above water. Naegleria fowleri is most commonly found in water above 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

This recent incident in Georgia is the second confirmed death from Naegleria fowleri in just over a month. In June, a 2-year-old child tragically lost their life after visiting a hot spring in Nevada. Investigators believe the child contracted the amoeba at Ash Springs, which is located approximately 100 miles north of Las Vegas.

According to data from the CDC, there have been 157 cases of Naegleria fowleri infection in the United States between 1962 and 2022, with only four individuals surviving the disease. Most cases occur during the summer months. In a separate incident this year, the Florida Department of Health confirmed a case of Naegleria fowleri infection, possibly resulting from sinus rinse practices utilizing tap water.

While the risk of infection remains relatively low, health officials emphasize the importance of taking precautions when entering warm freshwater environments. Early detection of the disease caused by Naegleria fowleri, known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), is challenging. However, if caught early, PAM can be treated with a combination of antifungal and antibiotic medications.

Recreational water users are urged to exercise caution and assume there is a risk when entering warm freshwater environments. Vigilance in limiting water contact with the nose, avoiding submerging the head in hot springs or similar waters, and refraining from disturbing sediment in warm freshwater can help reduce the risk of infection.